Standing Committee on Finance releases report that outlines several recommendations concerning electromobility

In its report “Considering the path forward” published in March, 2022, the Standing Committee on Finance outlined several recommendations regarding transportation electrification. “With respect to the electrification of transports, the Committee heard requests for the development of strategies and the setting of targets for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) adoption, the renewal, expansion or reform of existing financial incentives for the purchase of ZEV and the introduction of new incentives. Proposals were also made to implement measures to support the development of ZEV supply chains, education and training initiatives regarding ZEV and the electrification of government and Crown corporation fleets.”. They even included a quote by Electric Mobility Canada in their report: “The future of mobility is electric, whether light-duty, mid-size, heavy-duty or off-road vehicles.”

Below are their recommendations that centre around electromobility:

Recommendation 136
Adopt a clear, thought-out action plan to achieve its 100% zero-emission vehicle sales target by 2035.

Recommendation 137
Develop a Canadian electric mobility strategy to achieve Canada’s climate and electrification targets, with considerations for rural and remote communities.

Recommendation 138
Renew and expand eligibility for the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles Program for individuals, businesses and vehicle fleets by restoring funding to the program and increasing the base manufacturer’s suggested retail price threshold for eligible light-duty vehicles to $60,000, with a cap of $69,999.

Recommendation 139

Create a green version of the Retire Your Ride program that is focused on Canada’s long-term climate goals, meaning that the funds should only be available for the purchase of new or used zero-emission vehicles, transit passes and active transportation equipment (e.g., bicycles, electric or otherwise). This program should be stackable with other incentive programs.

Recommendation 140
Provide targeted incentives for the research and development of heavy and commercial electric vehicles, including the development of electric ambulances.

Recommendation 141
Support the development and increase economies of scale in the Canadian zero-emission vehicle supply chain to accelerate the reduction in battery prices and zero-emission vehicle technologies by leveraging research and development, Strategic Innovation Fund, resource exploration and other economic development funding.

Recommendation 143
Support energy workers impacted by the transition to a green economy— particularly workers in the oil and gas sector by ensuring that retraining opportunities or relocation supports are available and by introducing a sector-specific task force that includes labour, industry stakeholders and government representatives to assess the industry’s needs during this pivotal transition
period.

Recommendation 144
Develop and implement a national electrification framework to help Canada reach its decarbonization targets.

Recommendation 145
Assess Canada’s climate change adaptation needs in the energy sector and establish an Energy Climate Adaptation Fund.

Recommendation 146
Prioritize discussions on modernizing electricity regulatory frameworks with provinces and territories.

Recommendation 148
Implement a coherent, green, inclusive industrial strategy with enough funding to meet post-pandemic challenges, spur economic recovery and build a resilient and inclusive economy in the long term. This strategy must include concrete ideas, such as:
– investing in the energy transition and the fight against climate change
– consolidating operations in existing industries, strengthening secondary and tertiary processing operations and adopting procurement strategies that shorten supply chains; and
– investing in infrastructure projects, including those with a social mission, and supporting businesses through targeted and conditional financial assistance for job creation, better salary conditions, environmental progress, as well as Canada-wide investments.

Recommendation 149
Adopt a national circular economy strategy by working with the provinces, territories and municipalities

Recommendation 46
Commit to working with the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery to train up to 50,000 Canadians across the country to develop the specialized skills needed to work in high-growth sectors of the low-carbon economy.

Recommendation 49
Accelerate sustainability initiatives at colleges and in communities by investing $100 million over 5 years in a new network of 50 College Sustainability Centres across Canada to leverage college assets such as industry and community partnerships, as well as campus infrastructure to meet Canada’s net zero goals.

Recommendation 53
Continue to invest in people through apprenticeship loans and grants and make improvements to the Union Training and Innovation Program to better equip training centres to meet new challenges and demands in the labour market.

Recommendation 54
Increase Canada’s commitment to international development to support skills training and applied research for the transition to a net zero world.

Recommendation 124
Champion Canada’s mining advantage by supporting electrification at mining locations across the country and promoting sustainable mining development and operations.